JOWAI, July 11: The four-day-and-three-night Behdeiñkhlam Festival of the Seiñ Raij Jowai began on Friday with colourful and vibrant celebrations marked by the beating and wailing sounds of the Bom drums.
Members of the Raij community took part in the ritual by bringing the ‘Symbood Khnong’ from the forest and placing it at the ‘Tre Kjat Loomsooïung’ at New Hill, Jowai.
The Behdeiñkhlam festivities commenced in the morning with the Bam Tyngkong (a ceremonial meal) at the ‘Iung Langdoh’ (priest’s residence).
Later, the youths of Seiñ Raij Jowai prepared the traditional Siang and Pha offerings, to be performed by the matriarch of each household in honour of loved ones who have passed away.
By evening, the youths of Chilliang Raij (children of the Raij) carried the ‘Symbood Khnong’ from the forest with dance, music and jubilation along the route, finally reaching New Hill, Jowai.
The second day, known as ‘Mulong’, on Saturday, will begin in the morning with ritual offerings and prayers at ‘Syiem Aitnar’, under the leadership and sponsorship of the Dolloi by the community elders and religious leaders.
In the evening, the Kmai Raij (residents of the Raij community) from localities such as Panaliar, Dulong, Lumpyrdi Ïongpiah, Lumïongkjam, Tpep-Pale and Lumkyrwiang will bring their Deiñkhlam (ritual wooden poles) to Iawmusiang, accompanied by music, dance and celebration.
Meanwhile, the youths of the Raij will carry the sacred ‘Khnong Blai’ to Loom Sooïung, New Hill.
